New Delhi: The cinematic masterpiece *Tumbbad* has reignited fervor among its fans with the release of a thrilling and gripping trailer ahead of its scheduled re-release in theaters on September 13th. As the audience eagerly anticipates a return to the eerie, fantastical village of Tumbbad, monochrome memories and nightmares of old are set to come back to life.
Originally released in 2018, *Tumbbad* is a unique blend of horror and fantasy that takes place in a fictional, mythological village deeply rooted in Indian folklore. The film intricately weaves elements of myth, greed, and the supernatural to create a story that is both disturbing and mesmerizing. Its re-release offers the audience a fresh opportunity to wholeheartedly immerse themselves in this chilling narrative once again.
As part of the escalating excitement, lead actor Sohum Shah has unveiled previously unseen images of the black version of ‘Hastar,’ a terrifying entity central to the film’s storyline. Sharing these nostalgic snapshots on his social media, Shah offered fans a rare glimpse into the difficult journey of creating Hastar, illustrating the immense effort the film’s team put into bringing this horrifying character to life.
These images showcased the initial incarnations of Hastar, detailing how the creature was originally envisioned as black instead of the blood-drenched red figure that ultimately appeared on screen. Notably, the earlier version of Hastar did not feature the womb, a crucial element of its final terrifying form.
“So honored to share some behind-the-scenes gems with you,” Sohum Shah wrote in his post, allowing his followers to see the painstaking craftsmanship that went into the film’s production. “Back then, Hastar was completely different from what you saw in the final cut, undergoing a significant transformation throughout our shoot.”
Despite the tremendous amount of work that had initially gone into filming, *Tumbbad’s* crew was not satisfied and decided to reshoot the entire Hastar sequence, multiple times if needed, until the character aligned perfectly with their dark creative vision. This dedication bore fruit as *Tumbbad* emerged as a benchmark in Indian cinema, carving out a new niche at the crossroads of horror and fantasy genres.
Upon its original release, *Tumbbad* garnered wide critical acclaim, bagging eight nominations at the prestigious 64th Filmfare Awards and winning three for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Sound Design.
. Its global reach expanded when it became the first Indian film to premiere in the Critics’ Week section of the 75th Venice International Film Festival, putting it on the international cinematic map.
Directed by Rahi Anil Barve, with Anand Gandhi as the creative director and Adesh Prasad as co-director, *Tumbbad* boasts a powerhouse team behind its success. The screenplay, a multi-layered exploration of human obsession with wealth and the supernatural horrors that follow, was penned by Mitesh Shah, Prasad, Barve, and Gandhi. The film was produced by Sohum Shah, Aanand L. Rai, Mukesh Shah, and Amita Shah, bringing together a formidable ensemble committed to redefining the landscape of Indian cinema.
The cinematic cast of *Tumbbad* features not only Sohum Shah but also talents like Jyoti Malshe and Anita Date-Kelkar, who contributed significantly to its depth and authenticity. Their collective performances have left a lasting impression, contributing to the film’s enduring impact on audiences.
Currently, the film is not available on any OTT platforms, making the upcoming theatrical re-release an unmissable event for both new viewers and long-time fans. This return to the big screen will provide an ideal setting to experience the film’s stunning visuals and haunting narrative nuances in the way it was originally meant to be appreciated.
As the re-release date draws near, the hype is certainly building, and the opportunity to re-experience Hastar’s terrifying visage, crafted with such meticulous care, makes the wait all the more worthwhile. The devotion and perfectionism that defined the creation and refinement of this film continue to resonate, offering fans both old and new a compelling reason to revisit the shadowy alleys of Tumbbad once again.
Mark your calendars for September 13th, as *Tumbbad* prepares to return to theaters in all its spine-chilling glory. So gear up, hold onto your seats, and prepare for a journey back into the dark, gripping, and unforgettable world of *Tumbbad*.
